Senate Resolution No. 2573

BY: Senator RITCHIE

COMMENDING Joseph M. Butler, Jr., upon the
occasion of his retirement after 12 years of
distinguished service as a member of the Watertown
City Council and Watertown Mayor

WHEREAS, It is with extreme pride that this Legislative Body records
the public service career of Joseph M. Butler, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Butler Jr. learned about public service from his
father, Joseph M. Butler, Sr. who had a long and distinguished career
serving Watertown, New York as mayor; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Butler Jr. was born in Watertown, New York, and
graduated from Immaculate Heart Central School; he earned his degree in
Economics from St. Lawrence University and his Master's Degree in
Business Administration from Lemoyne College; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Butler Jr. returned to his hometown after college
and went to work for Community Bank as a financial advisor, where he has
built a successful career helping families manage their money and
prepare for their retirement; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Butler Jr. is married to his wife, Sandra, and
together they are raising two daughters, Allyson and Margaret; and

WHEREAS, Twelve years ago, he began his own career of public service
by serving as a member of Watertown City Council for eight years before
being elected Mayor of Watertown and serving for four years in the
position; and

WHEREAS, During his career, Joseph M. Butler Jr. helped spur the
redevelopment of Watertown's downtown, encouraging local businesses to
invest in the community's historic city center, with a mixture of
apartments, offices, stores and eateries that have stimulated economic
growth, job creation and generated confidence in the community's future;
and

WHEREAS, In the position of mayor, Joseph M. Butler Jr. came to be
known by his constituents as a responsible, intelligent and forward
thinking leader who was always willing to listen to those he served; and

WHEREAS, While Joseph M. Butler Jr. chose not to seek reelection as
mayor, through his dedicated service he leaves Watertown a better place
than he found it; and

WHEREAS, Joseph M. Butler Jr.'s passion for the city of Watertown
and its people is second to none; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the career of Joseph M. Butler Jr. and the significant
positive impact he has had on the City of Watertown; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joseph M. Butler Jr.